Public Relations 101

The LPGA committed a public relations gaffe for the ages when it announced its foreign players must demonstrate a competency in speaking English when interacting with sponsors and pro-am partners, and when questioned in interviews and press conferences. The tour went so far as to threaten laggards with suspensions. It may be entirely reasonable to encourage lady golfers to converse in English and to help them in this endeavor as much as possible; the economic viability of the tour may even depend on it. But to make it mandatory has too many unpleasant connotations. If anything is to be required, it should be that LPGA executives take courses in public relations, tact and sensitivity.